2014 Recap: Promise Keeper

Where do I begin about 2014? I can't even begin to write about the blessings, the favor, the opportunities, the doubt, sadness and fear that I have experienced this year. Because all in all, God has been ever so faithful.


The biggest lesson I learned this year is: God keeps His promises. It's so easy to doubt God when the evidence is negative, but that's exactly when God works best. I knew that He had called me to be a psychologist, but because of my brief stint as a biology major, my GPA was a mess. This time last year, I was completing grad school applications, terrified that I was not going to get an interview anywhere, talk less of get into a Clinical Psychology program. As I type this, I've completed my first semester of a doctorate program, a program that I was told I was not competitive enough for. To top it all off, I aced my first semester. I'd be lying if I said that I got here on my own. It was only by the grace of God. Once I got into grad school, everything else just literally fell into place. Sometimes, I sit and wonder what I did to get into this program. I'm so blessed to be there. Just continue to follow the path that God has provided for you. You never know where He will lead.


Honestly, 2014 was THAT year. God opened soooo many doors and pushed me wayyyy out of my comfort zone. From graduation, to moving to another state, to starting grad school, it's been quite the adventure. I haven't always been the happiest camper, but God has given me this incredible peace that even scares me sometimes. Having to move away from the only place I had ever known as home was so hard, but I know that God has a reason and nothing happens by mistake.


Not sure what plans God has for 2015, but I'm entering the year with an open heart and letting Him lead.


What are you hoping and praying for this year?




Selah [pause and think]

Not Many, Just ONE

Soooo, I'm in Grad School. That alone is a testimony in itself. I can't even thank God enough! For more on that journey, check out thegradualprocess.tumblr.com




ANYWAYS... Going to a grad school out of state seems to be one of the motivating factors for why so many people have encouraged me to get on online dating sites. Before now, I never thought of online dating of anything other than a LAST resort. Of course, I will never knock anyone for being on dating websites; to each his own. As for me... Maybe I'm being traditional, old-fashioned or picky. But I cannot let go of the belief that God has some amazing man in store for me and all I have to do is continue to walk in the path that God has for me.


I'm reminded of a word God gave to me this summer:


I was going to be a camp counselor for the second half of the summer and company regulations required camp counselors to wear a one piece dark, solid colored bathing suit. Of course, my bathing suit was orange and yellow with flowers, so I set out to find a bathing suit. Mind you, this was
mid-summer and the pickings were slim. I went from store to store with no luck. Finally, I entered a store that had only a few bathing suits left. I remember feeling like there was no way that I was going to find a bathing suit that fit me of the 10 left hanging. But, what do you know? I found one! And it was perfect. Everything that I needed.


God really spoke to my heart at that time. It was something to the effect of, "You don't need many options to pick from. You just need the right one and when you find that one, there will be no question in your mind. He will be everything you need."


So, I'm ok with not having too many options. God knows best. This is HIS project.


What project do you need to place in God's Hands?


Selah [pause and think]

No Pain, No Gain

First post of 2014! 

So, it's a new year, well, three months in and I've been on this whole working out thing. I've been attending a boot camp class at the gym pretty frequently in the past couple of weeks and though it seems tough at the time, the instructor is very encouraging. I keep going because I know it is for my benefit and I leave feeling great about myself. The next morning, I wake up sore in places I didn't even know existed and that's how I know the workout is actually working.

You know what's interesting? Trials work the same way. During the trials, you're sweating and exerting energy and it's just HARD. Sometimes you don't even know if you'll make it through. But the Instructor (God) is there, by your side, cheering you on. He knows that it's good for you and for your benefit. You walk away feeling better, stronger. It's only when it's over that you realize that you've worked out muscles of faith, hope, patience, forgiveness, etc.

James 1: 2-3 states, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 

Trials, just like working out, define us. Something of value WILL be produced. If we were couch potatoes and just ate cookies all day everyday, we'd probably never know what muscles have, more less what muscles are. Same with trials. If you never had a rainy day, you'd never learn to appreciate the sunshine. It's not easy going through it, no, not at all. But, at the end of the day, you're going to be stronger than you were before. Your Instructor's cheering you on! There so many promises in the Word. So, sweat on and persevere. You're coming out GOLD.

Selah [pause and think]

2013 Recap: He>i

So, as 2013 comes to an end, I've reflected on what a great year it was. 2013 was my year of opportunity. Many open doors and so much accomplished. I completed most of the goals I set for myself at the beginning of the year. I can't even begin to thank God enough. So much happened this year. Turned 21, became a student youth leader at my church, took my GRE's, applied to grad school, made Dean's list, got a great campus job, had a great internship, got featured on my school's website, met amazing people, grew spiritually, had a reality check, smashed my laptop, been super busy, neglected my blog :( , realized that I don't know everything and the list goes on and on. Through the ups and downs, He was faithful. It's a beautiful thing when you can look back and see God's handiwork in your life.

One of the biggest lessons I learned in 2013, and there were many, was to get out of the way. I was reading John 3:30 which says, "He must increase, but I must decrease." What struck me was the word, "but."

'But' in this context implies that He can't increase if we don't decrease.  We have to get of the way. I never saw it that way. I often find myself doing things because I wanted to look good. Not for God's glory, but to maintain that "good girl" persona. At the time I read this verse, I was considering stepping down from ministry because of something I didn't like. I saw the impact that the youth group had on the youth and how God was moving, but I couldn't get over one little selfish thing that I wanted. This verse was a reality check. It reminded me that I was doing God's work to minister to Him and for Him and NOT for me. That day, I wrote, "I can play the background, but first I need to get out of the way. I need to remove myself from the spotlight and let You shine."

So I'll end 2013 and begin 2014 with this motto: He>i. He gets the glory, the spotlight and the accolades. What I do is for His Glory. I. Am. Second.

2013 was a great year but it's time to put that behind me and press on... 2014.

Word of Encouragement for you: "God has a plan for you this coming year. So, 'hats off to the past and coats off to the future!' Roll up your sleeves, go to work, and expect great things from God." (Word 4u 2day)

Selah [pause and think]